Brisk, dry weather, with occasional glimpses of the sun, on Palm Sunday morning, allowed the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to become a significant and uplifting event for members of St. Mary’s Benefice.

The handsome donkey, Basil, carrying Sunday Club member, Eric, behaved impeccably and led members of the clergy, choir, congregation and the children around the streets of Tenby in a replication of Jesus’ triumphant journey into Jerusalem, which subsequently became the location of his death. Palm branches were waved and cries of ‘Hosanna’ rang out.

The blessing of the palm crosses had been made by the Rector, Rev. Canon Andrew Grace, before the procession into the Square had begun. Along the route, the bread and wine for the Holy Eucharist were blessed, before parishioners made their way back into church to continue the service.

Traditional Holy Week hymns were sung, including All Glory Lord and Honour, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us and Ride on! Ride on in majesty.

The church choir delighted the congregation with their rendition of Goss’s God so loved the world and Dr. John Harrison performed the organ voluntary Epilogue on Theodulph by Healey Willan.

Details of all services and events throughout the Easter period may be found in the current pew leaflet and on posters outside St. Mary’s Church. These include the Good Friday open air ecumenical procession at 10 am, beginning at Deer Park Church, and the 6.30 am Sunrise service at Castle Hill’s bandstand (St. Julian’s if wet) on Easter Sunday.

A very early date for your diary is the floral celebration for the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, entitled ‘Majesty.’ This will take place between April 21-24, from 10 am to 5 pm, in St. Mary’s Church. On Saturday, April 23, a coffee morning is being held in Church House. This event is being organised by the group staging the annual memorial posy festival, which will be held between July 7-10.